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Chapter 9: Present
publish date:
2026-02-20 04:22:06
Latest chapter
Tainted Ties Chapter 12: Past
The handle of the door rattles, like a telltale sign of an earthquake. Except I don’t take cover. I brace myself for everything to come crashing down.I sit watching the morning sun glisten on the surface of the water, making the waves glitter as they crash against the shore. I sit, wishing and hoping that I won’t have to leave Miami.Leaving would mean losing more of me. I can’t afford that after one half was already ripped away. Because who am I if not the girl who reads with waves as her white noise? Who appreciates the sensation of wind through her hair and the flavor of salt on her lips following a swim?Who will I become if I am not the girl who wears sundresses and bikini tops with shorts because jeans feel too formal? The girl who loves wearing her hair down while she drinks mimosas, because throwing her head back and rocking her shoulders is a feeling of bliss.How much heat can a flower take before it withers and dries up? How much more can I take before I decide whether I’m
Tainted Ties Chapter 11: Present
I wince at the sudden burst of pain tearing through my skull as he slams me against the wall. "I found you, didn't I?" he whispers against my ear, the stale scent of liquor on his breath making my stomach turn. His fingertips feel coarse against my skin as they curl around my neck, squeezing. Tighter. Rougher. Until I'm desperately clawing at his hands, my nails digging into his skin. Spots fill my vision as his hard gaze pierces mine. He's not going to kill me, I tell myself the moment my fingers begin to slip and my limbs turn to jelly. I jolt upright with a gasp, heaving as I stare into the dark, fear seizing my bones. My fingers fly to my throat, searching, just to make sure it wasn't real. Even though I'm safe in my own bed, wrapped tightly in my covers, I tremble, feeling as if I've swallowed fire. I can't seem to shake the sensation that he is somewhere in this room. Without thinking, I throw off my covers and race for the light switch, flipping it on. Relief seeps thr
Tainted Ties Chapter 10: Past
I stand facing the wooden door, my hand raised and fingers folded, ready to knock. Behind the door, I hear shuffling, and I step away, returning my hand to the pocket of my hoodie. All morning. It took all morning to muster the strength and courage to face her after everything. Because I know I have to say goodbye. But I'm not sure I can. If I should. Then the door opens, and there she is with her curls bundled atop her head and dark circles swallowing her eyes. Her grip loosens on the trash bag she's holding as she stumbles back in shock. "Serena," Kaitlyn says, breathless. Her brown eyes are dull and droopy; sweater barely clinging to her tired frame. I instinctively reach for her, but my hand retreats into the safe corners of my pocket, knowing it's not needed. I clear my throat after the silence between us has worn thin, and she is starting to look everywhere but at me. "Hi. Can we talk?" For a moment, her lips part, and then she folds them, giving me a small nod. And wi
Tainted Ties Chapter 9: Present
I pace around my room, digging my nails into my palms. "You need to calm down," Kaitlyn says, browsing my bookshelf. "He can't possibly be serious," I repeat. "He's allowing a stranger to stay here."Kaitlyn rolls her eyes, slamming a book shut. "Are you serious, Serena?"I pause, turning to look at her. "What?""It's just weird how you're so against this man when you don't know him."I cringe at her rationality. From where she's sitting, the light oozing through my windows makes her eyes appear a lighter shade of brown. "He's unprofessional," I say, stating my case. For the umpteenth time, since no one is listening. I crawl into my bed, the same one I've had since my teenage years, which is still covered with the pink polka-dotted duvet I loved so much. Now my favorite color is yellow, and I now hate the sparkly paint and butterfly wallpaper that covers a corner of my room. The air still smells of peach and pineapple. A bold tropical mist that once defined me. Now I smell of vani
Tainted Ties Chapter 8: Past
As I descend the stairs, my hand clutches the railing. I try to steady the beat of my heart, pushing back the overwhelming thought to spin around and lock myself in my room forever. I spot my father at the table, his slouched back turned. His side profile comes into view, chin in his palm as he stares at nothing, a sag present between his brows. The sound of me pulling a chair out awakens him. He sits straighter and takes his coffee cup in hand. Lukewarm now, I suppose. Still, he takes a small sip. “Good morning,” I murmur, taking a seat at the dining table, where a stack of pancakes sits drenched in melted butter, accompanied by an array of sides: scrambled eggs, bacon, and bologna. Bread and fresh fruit are set aside along with a jug of orange juice. But I only reach for the container of Cheerios and the milk.Cereal is the only thing I normally eat for breakfast, except when Mom forces me to eat healthy. Now that she isn't here, I don't have to bother. I shift my focus back to
Tainted Ties Chapter 7: Present
Panic seizes my chest the moment I realize where they were taking me.As we near the gates, my leg starts bouncing and I swallow hard. The smooth driveway and perfectly trimmed hedges give nothing away.Because who would look at something this grand and question what waits behind those double doors?As the van rounds the fountain centered in the driveway, the men exit, slamming the doors shut behind them. They stand for a few minutes, discussing.Meanwhile, I try to placate myself, because this nightmare has just gotten worse. Mr. Bodyguard unlocks my door before offering me a hand.His eyebrows knit together at my reluctance to take it. “Are you okay?”I take a deep breath. “Do I look okay?” I ask pointedly.He closes his eyes, swearing under his breath. “Well, next time I’ll just not ask.”“Good. It’s not your job anyway.”He withdraws his hand, deciding to hold the door instead. I struggle to get out on my own, though I wouldn’t dare admit it by asking for help.After getting out,
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